Light emitting device with phosphor wavelength conversion

Abstract

A light emitting device comprises: a thermally conductive substrate (MCPCB); at least one LED mounted in thermal communication with a surface of the substrate; a housing attached to the substrate and configured such the housing and substrate together define a volume that totally encloses the at least one LED, the housing comprising at least a part that is light transmissive (window); and at least one phosphor material provided on an inner surface of the housing within said volume said phosphor being operable to absorb at least a part of the excitation light emitted by the at least one light emitting diode and to emit light of a second wavelength range. The housing is attached to the substrate such that the volume is substantially water tight, preferably air/gas tight.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A light emitting device comprising:
 a wavelength conversion component whose inner surface defines a cavity, wherein the wavelength conversion component comprises at least one phosphor material;   at least one LED housed within the cavity;   a light transmissive material filled within the cavity; and   wherein the light transmissive material has a refractive index that substantially matches the wavelength conversion component's refractive index.   
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the light transmissive material comprises a light transmissive liquid. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the light transmissive liquid comprises a mineral oil or a gel. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the light transmissive material comprises a light transmissive solid material. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the light transmissive material comprises a silicone or epoxy material. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the refractive index of the light transmissive material is greater than or equal to approximately 1.2. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the refractive index of the light transmissive material comprises a range of approximately 1.2 to 1.5. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the device comprises an opening depositing the light transmissive material within the cavity. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the opening is sealed. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the opening is sealed by soldering. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the cavity is hermetically sealed. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein hermetic sealing is accomplished by a method selected from the group consisting of: soldering; brazing; adhesive; a compression seal; and a metal loaded epoxy. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one phosphor material comprises at least one layer on an inner surface of the cavity. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the wavelength conversion component is selected from the group consisting of: a glass; a silica glass; a quartz glass, a transparent alumina, a polymer material; a polycarbonate; and an acrylic. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the wavelength conversion component comprises a dome shaped shell. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the wavelength conversion component comprises a generally hemispherical shell. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the wavelength conversion component comprises a housing portion and a light transmissive part. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein the light transmissive part is substantially planar. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein the light transmissive part is selected from the group consisting of: a glass; a silica glass; a quartz glass, a transparent alumina, a polymer material; a polycarbonate; and an acrylic. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein the at least one phosphor comprises at least one layer on an inner surface of the light transmissive part.